Goa, India

I arrived in Goa today and it truely is like what you see on the Discovery Channel or in National Geographic. I hopped on the back of a scooter to come to this internet cafe and it is like playing chicken constantly on the road- you beep to let the buses (and million other scooters you are pracically touching) know you are right next to them. Traffic circles? Forget it. I just closed my eyes... In the center of Mhapsa, lining block after block are hundreds of parked scooters and people everywhere. There are men sitting around with these massive piles of bright orange marigold flowers that they are stringing into long chains to sell (like in monsoon wedding) and there is so much to see on every corner/square inch, it is almost overwhelming. Goa is lush because monsoon season is coming to an end and forests of palm trees everywhere. Goa is divided into (I think) four regions and I am staying in a part of Goa called Mhapsa. The closest beach is probably 20-30 minute car ride. I met one other volunteer- Allison from England and two more come Monday. The place we are staying is the top floor (2 bedrooms/baths) of a house (a really nice, super devote catholic family lives below/with us). The house is located directly across the street from The Kathleen House (the children's home ages 1.5-6) and Rainbow House where the girls (7-?) live. The boys homes are up a hill and I will see and meet all the children on Monday. I can't wait. There are monkeys outside my bedroom window that run when I whistle at them:)
Anyways, it doesn't look like I will be emailing that often in the next 2 months because of the fact that I have to ride into town each time to use it, but I will do my best.
Smooches!